Conservatives call for more money for Hastings’ green spaces and sports facilities

The money is being made available from the Government’s ‘Towns Fund’ and is hoped it will bring needed investment to local infrastructure and green spaces.

Conservative councillor Sorrell Marlow-Eastwood said: “We would like to see the money go towards keeping Hastings active including a simple resurrection of the town’s bowling greens.

“Everything is still in place and should never have been closed, so it will be easy to restart and the facilities are most desperately needed.

“Not only is it a superb physical health benefit, but it is a great mental health aid and it is easy to socially distance while playing it and a simple procedure to keep disinfecting the bowls while playing it. Perfect for this current Covid-19 climate.”

Among other suggestions made by the Conservatives are to install more exercise equipment in local parks.

Conservative leader, councillor Rob Lee, said: “After all of us have spent more time than usual indoors over recent months it is important that the council gets behind the Conservative scheme to get Hastings active again, new outdoor exercise equipment and the refurbishment of the bowling greens is a great

way to help the town get fit.”

Council leader Kim Forward, said: “Hastings Borough Council is the lead organisation for the towns fund, however, the board is a partnership of a number of individuals and organisations.

“As council leader, and a member of the town deal board, I’m obviously pleased about the additional £1m accelerated funding to Hastings as a part of the Towns Fund programme.

“This will no doubt help fund schemes to the benefit of our town and our residents. It’s good to see councillors getting involved alongside others and submitting their ideas.

“All ideas put forth for consideration will have to meet the necessary funding criteria, in order to be submitted as proposals for approved projects to government on August 14.

“The deadline for initial submissions of ideas and suggestions has now passed. The town deal board, via its executive delivery group, are assessing all the suggestions received as part of the accelerated fund process.

“It will be interesting to see what ideas come forward as a board member, especially those ideas that will improve the town’s economic growth and the quality of life of our residents.

“The real transformation potential of the fund for this town is in the main £25m funding.

“Like my fellow board members, I have high ambition for this fund and what it can do for our town. We are working towards an inspirational strategic vision for the town that will shape our town investment plan.

“Part of this plan will involve fast tracking projects which will focus on strengthening the town’s economy and driving productivity and opportunity.”

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